Tentative return to limited BoBMF Spitfire flying
October 4, 2024
The BoBMF has been effectively grounded since Saturday 25th May, when Spitfire Mk IX MK356, flown by the OC designate, Squadron Leader Mark Long, crashed shortly after take-off. The four-engined Lancaster has returned to display duties, flying a maintenance air test on 6 June, but the Flight’s Spitfires and Hurricanes were put on a ‘flying pause’ whilst the investigation into the Spitfire accident continued.
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On 3 October, the BoBMF announced on social media that it was: “delighted to confirm that our Mk XIX Spitfire completed a partial post maintenance air test flight today, which we hope to complete in the coming days and in addition to currency flying. We look forward to her being a familiar sight around RAF Coningsby, as the pilots regain flying currency over the coming months. At this time, Merlin powered Spitfires and Hurricanes remain on a flying pause whilst the investigation into the Spitfire accident continues.”
Spitfire PR.Mk XIX PM631 is a later mark of Spitfire, powered by a Rolls Royce Griffon engine, and not a Merlin (which powered the accident aircraft). After an extensive major maintenance programme and detailed safety assessment, it was decided that PM631 was ready to fly again (for the first time since 2021).
